Unless you’ve got some family roots (like I do) somewhere in the vast expanse of Saskatchewan, chances are you haven’t ventured across the Alberta border to the bustling metropolis that is Saskatoon. Okay... “bustling” may be a bit of an exaggeration, but for a city that’s almost exactly one-quarter the size of Calgary, it’s definitely got a lot going on. Having said that, I wouldn’t recommend stopping by for a visit between November to April, as the frigid weather is often too much to handle, even for our winterized Calgarian skin.

Saskatoon’s downtown core is small, but boasts some great, old character buildings. Strolling down Second Avenue will lead you to a couple of my favourite stops. First up, O’Shea’s, an Irish pub complete with a leprechaun-sized door — not joking — and rooftop patio. After an afternoon of beers in the sun upstairs, exiting via the miniature door will seem like an excellent idea, and if I can fit through it, so can you.

But, if I’m trying to maintain my dignity and not crawl through tiny spaces, my friends and I generally head to Flint down the block. The surprisingly slick little lounge, with concrete and brick accents, definitely has a big-city feel. Similar to Calgary’s beloved Milk Tiger Lounge, Flint has been crafting quality cocktails for years, long before the current trend of cocktail culture. If you’re looking for some eats to go with your Dark and Stormy, Flint’s charcuterie menu is top-notch. It rotates almost weekly, keeping things local and seasonal.

Are you sick of hearing about the financial woes in your country or city? Think there’s nowhere in North America, Europe or maybe the entire world where you can duck from the doom and gloom of an economic downturn that seems like it will never abate?

Then you need to go to Saskatoon. Not only to realize that there may indeed be a tomorrow where prosperity is possible but to enjoy the sense of vitality that seems to arise when people, businesses and municipalities have a little extra in their pockets. The positive feelings that good times engender is palpable here in an outpost that many Canadians scoff at without ever paying it a visit.

Jamie Grist has benefitted from the booming economy in the province’s largest city. After moving around the country, she left the east coast to return to her hometown. Real estate prices were going up, even in neighbourhoods notorious for their drug culture, and Grist didn’t want to miss an opportunity.

“You have to try really hard not to have a job in this province,” says Grist, who manages El Mercado Palapas, a year-old Mexican grocery store on Broadway Avenue. The neighbourhood surrounding the store is considered to be among the most affluent districts of a city that will surprise visitors with its natural and architectural beauty. Broadway isn’t glitzy but it does feature boutique stores, vintage shops, music venues and restaurants.

Saskatoon Just May Convince Doubters

The Mexican market isn’t the only ethnic spot that’s popped up. Halal eateries have recently joined Indian restaurants as the city’s tastes diversify with its population. In the downtown that’s a short drive from Broadway, you’ll also find well-known designer franchises like American Apparel and LuluLemon, along with a major public green space, Meewasin Park. It’s home to one of Canada’s most highly regarded outdoor skating rinks as well as a promenade that runs above the South Saskatchewan River, a waterway that cuts through the city, offering a unique canoe or kayak experience. And in the streets there are big housing developments and luxury automobiles causing heads to turn.

Following a comprehensive national search, the Saskatoon Airport Authority Board of Directors has appointed Stephen Maybury as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Maybury will take over the post from Bill Restall who has held the position since 1985.

Maybury and his family will move to Saskatoon from Winnipeg, where he currently serves as CEO of Southport Aerospace Centre. He has also held senior roles with the Charlottetown Airport Authority and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority where he oversaw several expansion projects. Maybury, who holds an MBA in International Aviation from Concordia University, is an Accredited Airport Executive, Registered Professional Engineer and also served as a director with the International Association of Airport Executives of Canada.

“We are very pleased to welcome Stephen to the Saskatoon Airport Authority team and welcome his family to our great city,” said Ron Waldman, Chair of the Saskatoon Airport Authority Board of Directors. “Our national search found many strong applicants, which demonstrates that the country is taking note of our airport’s growth and momentum. The entire airport community will be well‐served with Stephen’s experience and excitement.”

“I’m looking forward to continuing on the great work of Bill Restall and the rest of the Saskatoon Airport Authority team on enhancing our airport both in terms of infrastructure and passenger services,” said Maybury. “In a thriving city like Saskatoon, passengers are looking for increased services and options. A solid plan has been developed for the growth of the airport, and I am excited to build on and implement that plan.”

Maybury will arrive in Saskatoon in early December to officially assume his role as CEO of the Saskatoon Airport Authority. Current CEO Bill Restall, who announced his retirement in May, will remain with the Airport thorough a transition period until the end of 2012.

“More and more, Saskatoon is getting noticed and getting the credit it deserves as a leading and successful Canadian city,” said Restall. “A strong airport plays a critical role in that success. I am confident that our staff, stakeholders, partners and most importantly Saskatoon and surrounding communities will benefit from Stephen’s leadership.”

About the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport and Saskatoon Airport Authority:
The Saskatoon Airport Authority is a partner in the development of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan by operating a world‐class airport that is connecting Saskatoon to the world. The Saskatoon International Airport offers 190 direct flights per week to 7 Canadian destinations, 39 flights per week to 5 United States destinations and 16 flights per week to 11 winter sunspot destinations, and served more than 1.2 million passengers in 2011. A 10‐year, $115‐million capital investment plan is underway including a $53‐million expansion of the airline terminal building.